Credit checking firm Experian said on Tuesday it would appeal a decision by the Information Commissioner’s office regarding the marketing services it provides in the UK
The statement came after the ICO ordered Experian to make « fundamental changes » to the way it treats the personal data of individuals in its direct marketing services
The confirmation notice followed a two-year investigation by the ICO into how Experian, Equifax and TransUnion were using personal data within their data brokerage businesses for direct marketing purposes
ICO Notice requires Experian to let people know that it holds their personal data and how it uses or plans to use it for marketing purposes Experian has until July of next year to do this subject to any appeal
Experian will also have to stop using personal data derived from the credit listing of its business by January 2021
Other key notice requirements include implementing privacy information enhancements to clarify what personal data is collected, where it comes from, what it is used for, or to whom the data are sold and why and end the processing of all personal data that has been collected illegally
« This is basically the interpretation of the GDPR and we believe the ICO’s point of view goes beyond legal requirements. This interpretation also risks damaging the services that help consumers, thousands of small businesses and charities, especially when trying to recover from the Covid-19 crisis, ”he said
« We develop statistical models from data to infer useful information for businesses and public bodies so that they can operate more efficiently We do not track internet activity or collect actual purchases from consumers, behavioral data or actual preferences, and there is also no tracking of the location of individuals, ”he added.
Experian pointed out that the app notice only applies to its UK marketing services business, which only accounts for 1% of the group’s revenue
Experian PLC, LON: EXPN, Information Commissioner’s Office
World news – GB – Experian to appeal ICO decision on data use
